Affiliate Insider: Is the Gaming Vertical Still Alive?

The global video game industry generated more than 135 billion US dollars in 2018 and it shows no signs of slowing down. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the oldest and most profitable verticals affiliate marketers can specialize in. 

There are hundreds if not thousands of affiliates trying to succeed in this niche, but only a selected few earn a reputation for delivering excellent results for advertisers. But, with so much competition, many marketers have discarded this niche because they believe it’s not profitable anymore. 

Fortunately, there are many strong indicators that say otherwise. 

This article will discuss the current state of the affiliate gaming industry, discuss the different sub-categories that are part of this vertical, and provide a few tips to help you master this great niche.

What Does the Gaming Industry Encompass?

The gaming industry has evolved at an unimaginably fast pace. It has transformed from a segment that could only be targeted to a certain age group to a juggernaut that generates hundreds of billions every year.

In simple terms, the gaming niche can be divided into three additional categories. These are console gaming, PC gaming, and mobile gaming. These three can be broken down into specific devices, game types, and other categories. 

It’s worth noting that most affiliates focus on mobile gaming offers. But, you’ll also be able to find advertisers in the PC and console space that are looking to work with knowledgeable marketers as well. 

Is the Gaming Vertical Still Alive?

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, let’s discuss why this niche still offers a great chance. Some of the reasons that the gaming vertical is still very much alive include, but are not limited to:

The Vertical is Still Growing

When a niche is burnt out, the revenue of the entire industry tends to plummet. Video games, on the other hand, have been generating higher profits since they hit the market for the very first time. And, future projections confirm that mobile, PC, and console games are only growing in popularity.

Gaming Appeals to a Wide Audience

In the early days, most video games were targeted towards younger audiences. Today, studies suggest that most users who play games are adults. As a matter of fact, 43% of video game players are more than 36 years old.

This means that the gaming industry has a global appeal that goes beyond age. And, it also entices consumers regardless of their geographical location. According to recent reports, consumers the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East invest money regularly into games. 

In other words, this niche is a great alternative for affiliates, regardless of the region and language they specialize in. 

Emerging and Changing Markets

Today, users can choose from dozens of video game types. These new video games allow affiliates to target emerging markets that were not accessible via this niche before. At the same time, women have started gaming in unprecedented volumes over the last few years. Today, 45% of video game players in the US are female and the gap gets closer every year.

Tech Advancements and New Platforms

Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices have changed the gaming industry. But, one thing that will remain unchanged is the fact that innovative advancements will keep fueling this vertical’s growth.

How to Create a Great Affiliate Gaming Campaign

There are many different elements you need to take into consideration to build a great gaming campaign. But, our experience has taught us that successful marketers focus on:

Content Creativity

Repeat designs and old concepts won’t generate the right results, so focus on developing ads with a great creative side. If possible, also avoid using stock images and take your own pictures or use screenshots whenever you can.

Great Ad Quality

Creativity is key, but also make sure your ads meet the quality standard. Blurred images, poor color combinations, and other quality faults will put off most people right away. Instead, make sure all elements in your ad are error-free, including creatives and text.

Offer Requirements

Gaming offers vary depending on advertisers and what they are trying to achieve. Instead of choosing an offer based on the payout, also look at conversion requirements and other details to make sure it’s suitable for your platform.

Stay Tuned and Learn More About the World of Affiliate Marketing

The gaming industry is far from dead. And, if at any point it did go under, it has made a stronger comeback than a professional athlete. As you can imagine, this vertical is still among the most profitable industries for affiliates, but take your time and take the steps that will get you closer to succeeding.
Want to learn more? Contact ActiveRevenue and our team will be glad to help.